Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I do not know whether Deputy Ross has misread the Bill or does not understand the status quo. These provisions represent a fundamental step towards exactly the culture he is talking about. Under the current regime, the Ceann Comhairle selects the Clerk from the staff of the House. I am proposing that the post be filled by way of a competition that is open to all and administered through the Top Level Appointments Committee, TLAC. I have completely reformed that committee in my time in office and it now consists of a majority of external members. Every interview panel for the appointment to positions such as the Clerk of the Dáil will be chaired by an external member and comprise an external majority. The only people that could be given patronage under this system, as the Deputy puts it, are those included on the short list as being deemed suitable for appointment. In addition, as Deputy Ross knows, we have fundamentally transformed the system of appointment to State boards, which is now done through an independent process.

This Bill represents a significant move in the right direction. If we need to go further in future, we can consider how that might be done. In bringing forward these provisions we are doing something that was not done in 30 years. It will open up the next appointment in a way it has never been opened up before.

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